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Objective: A large body of research has investigated the experience of parental stress in parents of children with learning disabilities with child challenging behaviour being the factor most strongly associated with increased parental stress (e.g. Hastings, 2003 & Quine & Pahl, 1995). The ability of respite to alleviate this stress has also been investigated with studies suggesting that the provision of respite leads to a reduction in stress (e.g. Botuck & Winsberg, 1991, Mullins et al., 2002). Very few studies have examined the effects of respite care in a UK population and fewer still in a Scottish population. Factors associated with requesting respite have only been studied directly in one UK based study (Chadwick et al. 2002). The present study hypothesised that a correlation would be found between parental stress and child challenging behaviour and that families receiving respite care would experience lower stress than similar families who did not receive respite. In addition, it was hypothesised that families who had requested respite would have children with higher levels of challenging behaviour and would be experiencing more stress than families who had not requested respite services. Results: A significant correlation was found between parental stress and child challenging behaviour. In addition, significant differences were found in parental stress and challenging behaviour between those receiving and not receiving respite. Those receiving respite experienced higher levels of stress and had children with higher levels of challenging behaviour. Further analysis revealed that those who had requested respite experienced higher levels of stress and had children who had higher levels of challenging behaviour than those who had not requested respite. Descriptive analysis provided information about the use of respite services in Lothian. The results are discussed in relation to previous research and the clinical implications of the current study. Methodological strengths and difficulties are also discussed and suggestions made for future research. |
